Performance Difference between machines

[nafej]

I was running some performance tests for the web application I work
on, both on my desktop and laptop. I found that javascript processes
MUCH slower on my desktop, even though it's a more powerful machine.
The stats are as follows:

Laptop: Pentium M, 1.86gHz, 1gb RAM, IE7
Desktop: Pentium 4, 2.80gHz, 1gb RAM, IE6


I have confirmed that co-workers with similar setups show the same
results. Also, when I run javascript tests on both boxes (from

http://andrew.hedges.name/experiments/speed_test/index.html

and
others), my laptop returns a time of approximately 50% of my desktop.


Also, if I test performance on a static HTML page, my desktop actually
loads the page faster. So, the page is being returned/rendered faster
on my desktop, but it just seems to be that client side code is
running much slower there.


I have checked and the browser or it's settings don't seem to be the
issue (I tried my desktop with IE7, and I also confirmed that the
settings appear to match)


Also, my laptop has many apps running during these tests while my
desktop doesn't, making me think that the desktop would be faster if
anything.


Does anyone know what other settings, configurations, etc could be
causing this?? Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!


Thanks, Jeff

 

[monksnake]

I think at least some of the difference are the "engines" behind IE6 and IE7. I know FF runs WAY faster than IE6 on certain types of processing, (i.e. loops, grabbing .getElementById info).

I would hope IE7 is optimized more than IE6.

<.

 

[nafej]

Thanks monksnake. But, I had upgraded my desktop to IE7 yesterday and ran the tests with the same results. So, it's nothing browser specific. I also have team members that have tried with various combinations of laptop/desktop and ie6/ie7.

For everyone, their desktop always loads slower for JS heavy pages, regardless of the browser. This is even though all of our desktops are more powerful machines.